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As part of the 75-Year Commemorative Events, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), India, and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework of cooperation to enhance the welfare, training, safety, and wellbeing of Indian seafarers and their families through collaborative initiatives.

This partnership reinforces the shared commitment of both organisations to support Indian seafarers and their families through dedicated outreach, education, and crisis response mechanisms.

Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include:

• • Awareness and Induction Training for cadets and ratings through ISWAN’s Seafarers’ Education and Awareness Sessions (SEAS) in DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institutes.
  • Promotion of Port Welfare Committees under MLC 2006 to improve port-level support for visiting seafarers in Indian ports.
  • Implementation of ISWAN’s Family Outreach Programme, which provides guidance and emotional support to the families of seafarers and helps to improve communication strategies which encourage to build a stronger and healthy relationship.
  • Joint promotion of ISWAN’s ‘Safe at sea…it takes all of us!’ campaign to improve gender safety and allyship at sea.
  • Integration of ISWAN’s 24/7 multilingual SeafarerHelp helpline within DG Shipping’s upcoming grievance redressal platform. ISWAN is prepared and will endeavour to facilitate help in situations like: abuse or bullying or harassment, health issues – both physical and mental health, maritime piracy and threats at sea, abandonment and cases of fraudulent crewing agents, personal and family problems, general information seeking, missing, and suicide cases.
  • Organisation of joint regional events to raise awareness on mental health, safety, and wellbeing in the maritime sector.

This landmark MoU brings together regulatory and welfare expertise to deliver coordinated support for seafarers, including emotional, psycho-social, and practical assistance. It recognises the importance of a seafarer’s family and shore-side support networks, especially during crisis situations such as abandonment, psychological distress, or harassment at sea.

Speaking on the collaboration, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, the Director General of Shipping, said:

‘This MoU marks a significant milestone in our continued efforts to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of Indian seafarers and their families. By working closely with ISWAN, we aim to strengthen support systems, enhance awareness, and ensure timely assistance during times of need. Together, we are committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more supportive maritime environment, both at sea and ashore. This partnership will help us build resilience within the seafaring community and ensure that no seafarer or their family feels unsupported.’

Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN, said:

‘We are honoured to formalise our collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, India, through this MoU. Indian seafarers form a vital part of the global maritime workforce, and their welfare—along with that of their families—remains at the heart of ISWAN’s mission. This partnership will allow us to work more closely with the maritime administration to address critical welfare challenges, provide timely assistance, and deliver impactful programmes such as our helplines, awareness sessions, and outreach initiatives. Together, we can ensure that every seafarer has access to the support and resources they need, both during their time at sea and when ashore.’

The MoU is effective for three years and will be jointly monitored through a designated Working Group.